Hydratight Breaks Ground For Expansion

Shovels of dirt flew into the air today as Hydratight, a longtime Antigo industry, took the formal steps to begin construction to an addition to its plant on Clermont Street.

Jeff Todd, a leader and spokesman for the Hydratight team took time from duties in the floor of the production of facility to join dignitaries from the city of Antigo and Langlade County for the groundbreaking just north of the existing plant.

A Wausau construction firm will be moving onto the site to construct a 16,000 square foot addition to the plant, which Todd said is expected to be fully operational by Aug. 1.

We are doubling the size of the plant, he said, with a projection of 20 additional employees joining the team. We have a lot of work to get done, Todd added.

Hydratight, a division of Menomonee Falls-based Actuant, manufactures high-end torque and tension bolting equipment for industrial applications.

The project will introduce a new manufacturing process in Antigo. It requires the relocation of specialized equipment from other Hydratight facilities, with the city agreeing to contribute $50,000 toward that process.

Plant manager Brad Schulz said Actuant’s strategy is to have a center of excellence in North America with one manufacturing center overseeing it and Hydratight will be the one. And a successful expansion could lead to further phases.

Hydratight traces its roots to Sweeney, founded in 1901, and was known for many years as Hydratight Sweeney.

Mayor Bill Brandt, who has supported the Hydratight project, told the crowd we’ll be working with you on your next expansion.

The Hydratight team picks up shovels of dirt at today’s ground breaking ceremonies.

Source: Antigo Daily Journal